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Simple Pendulum SHM

Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) is periodic motion where an object oscillates around an equilibrium position due to a restoring force proportional to its displacement. A simple pendulum, consisting of a mass on a string, exhibits SHM when the angle of displacement is small (less than 10 degrees). The motion is characterized by the balance of forces and the relationship between acceleration and displacement, confirming that the pendulum follows SHM principles.

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73 views2 pages

Simple Pendulum SHM

Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) is periodic motion where an object oscillates around an equilibrium position due to a restoring force proportional to its displacement. A simple pendulum, consisting of a mass on a string, exhibits SHM when the angle of displacement is small (less than 10 degrees). The motion is characterized by the balance of forces and the relationship between acceleration and displacement, confirming that the pendulum follows SHM principles.

Uploaded by

Ehiogie Idemudia
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Simple Pendulum and Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)

What is Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)?

Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) is a type of periodic motion where an object moves back and forth
about an equilibrium position under a restoring force that is directly proportional to its displacement
and acts in the opposite direction. Mathematically, it is defined by:

F = -kx

where:
- F is the restoring force
- k is a constant
- x is the displacement from the mean position

Examples of SHM include the motion of a mass-spring system, the oscillation of a pendulum (for
small angles), and vibrating molecules.

Understanding a Simple Pendulum

A simple pendulum consists of a point mass (m) suspended from a fixed point by a massless,
inextensible string of length (L). The string is attached to a frictionless support, ensuring smooth
motion.

At equilibrium, the forces acting on the mass are:


1. The tension (T) in the string, pulling the mass upward.
2. The weight (W = mg) acting downward.

Since these forces are balanced, the mass remains stationary at its mean (equilibrium) position.

Motion of a Simple Pendulum


If we displace the pendulum from its equilibrium position, it starts oscillating back and forth due to
the force of gravity.

- The angle (theta) represents the displacement from the mean position.
- The arc length (s) is the distance from the mean to the extreme position.

Condition for SHM:


For the pendulum to exhibit Simple Harmonic Motion, the angle theta must be small (theta < 10
degrees). Larger angles result in non-SHM motion.

Restoring Force and SHM Derivation

At the extreme position, two forces act on the pendulum bob:


1. Tension (T) in the string.
2. Weight (W = mg) acting downward.

By resolving the weight (W) into components:

- Along the string (x-component): W_x = mg cos(theta)


- Perpendicular to the string (y-component): W_y = mg sin(theta)

Since acceleration is directly proportional to displacement and acts in the opposite direction, the
motion of the simple pendulum is simple harmonic motion.

Conclusion:
Since the acceleration of the simple pendulum is directly proportional to displacement and directed
toward the mean position, we conclude that a simple pendulum executes simple harmonic motion
(SHM) for small angles.

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